Fundraiser of the week - Rachel Gill

August 12, 2016

Our fundraiser of the week is Rachel Gill, who is running the English Half Marathon on September 18 because her nephew has had M.E. for two years.

Talking about the effect the illness has on him in a post on Rachel’s JustGiving page, her nephew says: "The most debilitating and limiting part of M.E. is what is known as post-exertional malaise (PEM). PEM basically means that if I overexert myself, physically or cognitively, it can cause a significant worsening of symptoms that can last days or weeks or can even lead to a permanent worsening in health. A month ago I went to a short doctor's appointment, in a wheelchair, which caused quite a serious relapse due to PEM and I've been almost completely bed bound ever since. Because of how severe my symptoms are now, the smallest of things could cause PEM. It could be talking to my mum for a few minutes, walking up the stairs, sitting for half an hour in bed or just getting a bath.”

You can read more of his story and also donate to Rachel’s half marathon effort via her JustGiving page.